Phosphorus (P) limitation is a key challenge for crop productivity in major parts of the world, as P is least mobile and highly fixated in soil. To circumvent phosphorus deficiency, chemical fertilizers are used; however these are rapidly absorbed in the soil and not accessible for crops creating a need for more P fertilizer. Moreover, substantial amount of P is lost through runoffs and contributing to eutrophication is water bodies. Globally P is mined from geological sediments, and these non-renewable resources are being used up at an alarming rate and projected to become relatively a scare resource in the near future. Such a scenario is a threat to sustainable crop production around the world. Therefore, there is a necessity for efficient and well managed use of P in agricultural system. This review is an effort to provide a summary of strategies that can be employed to improve P availability in soil to plants. Agronomic interventions like band placement of fertilizers, conservation tillage and use of cover crops improves P use efficiencies in farming systems. Soil P management options like organic amendments and composting increases bioavailability of P. Soil microbes can also play an significant role in supplying P to plants in a sustainable and eco-friendly way. Finally, use of crops or crop genotype having necessary traits that aids improved performance under P stress is an alternative option for sustainable crop production.

Keywords : Phosphorus, Sustainability, Efficiency, Management, Agronomic, P-efficient cultivars.